SHOT Show 2011: Initial thoughts from 'Range Day'

Hello from SHOT Show 2011. Perhaps the best thing about being a PoliceOne Products Columnist at SHOT — actually, the best part of being any journalist at SHOT — is our exclusive previews of new firearms products. Before the actual show began, I got to go to the range and shoot the new firearms products. I have more stuff yet to write from my time at Range Day yesterday, but that will have to wait until later — I looked at several other law enforcement innovations and will share with our readers soon. I’ve got to get to the SHOW floor in little while, so here are some of my initial thoughts. By the way, if you’re here at SHOT and want to reach me, leave me a message at the PoliceOne booth (# 8510). There’s no guarantee I can come see you, but I’ll never know to try unless you let me know where you are and what you’ve got!

The Diamondback Firearms DB9 is a palm-sized, 11 ounces in weight, 6+1 9mm handgun that is only eight tenths of an inch wide. (PoliceOne Image)

Diamondback Firearms DB9I didn't get to shoot the product that first caught my eye yesterday, but it is definitely worth a look. The Diamondback Firearms DB9 is a palm-sized, 11 ounces in weight, 6+1 9mm handgun that is only eight tenths of an inch wide.

It was smaller and lighter than the camera that took the picture at right.

This gun uses a "Zero Energy" striker firing system, which makes the trigger pull feel smooth in the hand.

I have always been on the quest for a ‘pocketable’ defensive handgun in a respectable caliber. The 9mm is likely a handful in this size and weight, but it is a game changer when it comes to wardrobe selection. This is a simple tool for the tactically low-key officer.

The Colt 901I got to fire the new Colt 901, a 7.62x51 (.308) caliber select-fire, military-grade carbine in the 13” barrel configuration. It had intuitive controls with similar placement and scaling to an AR-15 carbine except for the slick ambidextrous magazine release. The raised area where the upper receiver meets the barrel has more ergonomic lines, which won’t cut into the shooter after a long training session.

This gun did allow me to hit what I intended to hit downrange. The trigger was crisp and the impinged gas system softened the recoil enough to make it a fairly comfortable shooter.

The most noticeable feature is the finish. It has a special anodized finish where the color is in the finish itself, not over the part that is fused to the metal. This will keep it looking good even after it gets yanked out of the gunlock every day for several years.

My only complaint is that we didn’t go full auto with it during our shoot (you know how it is, rules are rules!).

There is a civilian version called the SP 901, which also looks like it has promise for law enforcement use.

About the author

Lindsey Bertomen is a retired police officer and retired military small arms trainer. He teaches criminal justice at Hartnell College in Salinas, California. He has a BS in Criminal Justice and an MS in Online Teaching and Learning. Lindsey has taught shooting techniques for over a decade. His articles on firearms tactics have appeared in print for over a decade. Lindsey enjoys competing in shooting sports, running, and cycling events.